Prediction: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
Following on from a two-week international break, domestic football is back this weekend with a whole slate of fixtures to enjoy across the continent – and, more specifically, in the Premier League. The road to the World Cup is well and truly on with all 20 clubs wanting to build up some momentum heading into the break, which includes London rivals Crystal Palace and Chelsea who will meet on Saturday.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have been a much improved side ever since Patrick Vieira stepped foot in the club and that much is an understatement, especially given the style of football they were playing under the previous regime. The results may not always be there but they’re building something, and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on how the Eagles progress between now and May.
Team News
Butland, Tomkins, Ferguson and Mcarthur have all been ruled out through injury with an unchanged starting line-up expected from the Newcastle draw.
Chelsea
Chelsea felt like they needed to make a big change and that’s exactly what they’ve done by saying goodbye to Thomas Tuchel and hello to Graham Potter. They’ve made a less than stellar start to the season despite being active in the summer transfer window, with one of the primary issues they need to fix being the lack of fire power they would appear to have in front of goal.
Team News
Kante is still suffering from a hamstring problem that’ll keep him on the shelf, whereas there are a few questions looming over the fitness of Mendy and Pulisic.
Factors to Consider
- Chelsea have won their last 10 games against Palace in all competitions.
- Palace have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
- Chelsea have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
- Palace have scored nine goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
- Chelsea have scored six goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
Conclusion
The fact that Potter is going against the rivals of his former club will provide him, surely, with added incentive to get the job done here. We expect a tough, gruelling game that flows really nicely with both teams liking to push forward. In the end, though, it’ll be the Blues who edge out a 2-1 win through pure quality alone – as well as the knowledge of their top four hopes slipping away.
Prediction: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
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